Twins Need to Pull The Trigger On Beltre

When the July 31 trade deadline passes, it will be obvious whether the Minnesota Twins are contenders or pretenders in 2008.

To end out the month of July, the Twins have a huge four game series with the AL Central leading, White Sox, in what is shaping up as a potential Battle Royal.

While the White Sox seem intent on standing pat at the trade deadline, the Twins, on the other hand, need to make a move before the deadline.

Enter Adrian Beltre.

Minnesota has lacked a big bat playing at third for most of the decade and Twins' General Manager, Bill Smith, should take the initiative to change that.

Justin Morneau, fresh off winning the HR Derby and scoring the winning run in the All-Star game, would be first in line to thank Minnesota's newest, GM as Beltre would offer much more protection for Morneau than current Twins' DH Jason Kubel.

This year, Justin has 68 RBIs and is second in the AL in hitting at .323 without any significant protection behind him.

Another aspect that Adrian Beltre brings to the Twins is an impact right-handed batter.

Finger issue’s all year and Delmon Young simply is not producing at a high level has hampered Michael Cuddyer. 

The best right-handed batter in the Twins starting lineup is Alexi Casilla and he is switch hitter.

The rest of the right-handed batters in the Twins lineup have been inconsistent at best. 

Adding Beltre would give this Twins team a big boost from the right-handed batter's box.

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